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Average Protective Service Occupations Salary in Washington

Protective Service Occupations in Washington State command an impressive average annual salary of $73,350, significantly surpassing the national average of $43,820. This substantial difference is often attributed to the state's robust economy, higher demand for specialized security and safety roles, and potentially higher operational costs for employers within the region.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $73,350 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 15.8% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $120,640.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 75,030 individuals in Protective Service Occupations, Washington demonstrates a considerable presence in this sector. The Location Quotient of 0.89 suggests that while the concentration is slightly below the national average, the sheer volume of jobs per 1,000 workers (21.197) indicates a stable and active job market that continues to absorb a significant portion of the workforce.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$73,350

The average Protective Service Occupations in Washington earns+67.4%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$35.3

Weekly

$1,411

Monthly

$6,113

Protective Service Occupations Salary Distribution in Washington

Career progression within Protective Service Occupations in Washington typically leads to significant salary increases. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and supervisory experience can command salaries well above the average. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify the opportunities for advancement and increased earning potential as one gains experience and takes on greater responsibility.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period.10% (Entry)$38,170$18.4
OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls.25% (Junior)$55,013$26.4
Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit.50% (Median)$64,960$31.2
Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader.75% (Senior)$91,688$44.1
Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration.90% (Expert)$120,640$58

Detailed Protective Service Occupations Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$73,350

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$63,727

Adjusted for COL (115.1)

The average annual salary of $73,350 in Washington for Protective Service Occupations appears robust on paper. However, when contrasted with the state's Cost of Living Index of 115.1 (meaning it's 15.1% more expensive than the national average), the purchasing power of this salary is somewhat diminished. While still higher than the national average salary, individuals should carefully consider the increased expenses associated with housing, transportation, and daily living when evaluating this compensation.

Job Market Context

75,030

Total Jobs

21.197

Per 1K Jobs

0.89

Location Quotient

Below Average

Washington has 0.89x the national average concentration of Protective Service Occupations jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

A Location Quotient of 0.89 indicates that Protective Service Occupations are slightly less concentrated in Washington compared to the national average. This suggests that while the field is well-established, it may not be as saturated as in some other regions. The job market is likely competitive but offers opportunities for skilled professionals, with the state's overall workforce size ensuring a consistent demand for these essential services.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Protective Service Occupationss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Protective Service Occupations make in Washington?

The median annual salary for a Protective Service Occupations in Washington is $73,350. This typically ranges from $38,170 for entry-level positions to $120,640 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Washington is 67.4% higher than the national median of $43,820.

Is Washington a lucrative place for Protective Service Occupationss?

Yes, Washington offers a lucrative environment for Protective Service Occupations.The average salary of $73,350 significantly exceeds the national average, and the substantial workforce size indicates consistent demand for these roles.

Is Washington a good place to live for Protective Service Occupations?

The Cost of Living Index in Washington is 115.1. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Washington?

Some top paying nearby cities include Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($74,310) and Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA.

How does Washington's salary for Protective Service Occupations compare to the national average?

Protective Service Occupations in Washington earn an average of $73,350 annually, which is considerably higher than the national average of $43,820.

What is the concentration of Protective Service Occupations jobs in Washington?

Washington has a Location Quotient of 0.89 for Protective Service Occupations, indicating a concentration slightly below the national average, but still representing a significant presence.

How does the cost of living affect the salary for Protective Service Occupations in Washington?

With a Cost of Living Index of 115.1, Washington is more expensive than the national average. While the salary is high, the increased cost of living should be factored into the overall financial picture.

What is the total number of workers in Protective Service Occupations in Washington?

There are approximately 75,030 individuals employed in Protective Service Occupations within Washington State.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 75,030 employees in the Washington area with a job density of 21.197 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.